JAKARTA - Tijjani Reijnders insists that he did not intend to replace Kevin De Bruyne in Manchester City despite revealing that the Belgian midfielder was one of his idols.
Reijnders have joined The Citizens in a 46.5 million deal from AC Milan just as De Bruyne ended his 10-year tenure at Stadio Etihad to move to Napoli.
The Netherlands international said he had imitated parts of his game from the Manchester City legend, as well as former Barcelona star and Spanish National Team (Timnas) Andres Iniesta.
However, he said that he would try to be himself at the Etihad Stadium.
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"I'm not here to replace him (De Bruyne). I have to play my own game."
"However, I take things from other players and what they can do very well and try to adapt them."
"Kevin De Bruyne, (it) is how he scans the pitch, the bait he provides," said Reijnders at Manchester City's training headquarters in Florida.
De Bruyne thrived under Pep Guardiola and was named best Premier League player twice.
Meanwhile, Reijnders arrived in Manchester City after being named the best midfielder in Serie A.
The 26-year-old hopes he can move up to next level under his new manager.
"It's also a big thing, of course, the best coach in the world. I really want to learn new things here and the style of play. That's what I'm looking forward to," he said.
Like Reijnders, left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri has also moved to Manchester City on time to become part of the squad for the 2025 Club World Cup.
The 24-year-old, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, was able to make his debut in the opening match against Morocco's Wydad AC in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
"This is a big step. A big step for my career. I've been in the Premier League for a long time, I've played for five years."
"This league is very hard. They have a lot of very good teams. However, yes, the steps must be higher. I will try to give my best," he said.
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